Online Safety

Be awesome online and in real life.

The Internet is a part of our everyday lives, whether we’re socializing with friends, applying to a school or looking for a new job. Now more than ever, it’s important to pay attention to what’s online about you and take steps to ensure a positive persona— both personally and professionally.

Check out the resources on this page to see what you can do for yourself and others to help stay safe online.

Protect what's important to you.

Anything you post can become part of your online reputation and your online brand for the rest of your digital life. So before you post, ask yourself:

Could this hurt others?

Would I share this with my parents?

Could this endanger opportunities for my future?

Remember the Internet is permanent, vast and always listening. Any one of your selfies could show up at your first job interview.

Relationships

Relationships can be complicated in real life. And they can also be complicated online. You can fight with your sister over messenger, you can create a community on Tumblr, and you can find your best friend over common boards on Pinterest. Here are some tips for managing your relationships online:

The Internet is a great tool to stay in touch with people over long distances, like cousins on another coast or friends studying abroad.

Be nice to people, even if everyone else is being mean to them. Bullying is not cool in real life or online.

Whether you meet a new person in real life or online, strive to be safe. Protect your identity, security, and privacy, and always tell someone you trust about a new person you meet online.

Remember you always have the right to say “no,” to cut off contact, or to report anyone who is bothering you online.

Anything you post can become part of your online reputation and your online brand for the rest of your digital life. So before you post, ask yourself:

Could this hurt others?

Would I share this with my parents?

Could this endanger opportunities for my future?

Remember the Internet is permanent, vast and always listening. Any one of your selfies could show up at your first job interview.

Relationships can be complicated in real life. And they can also be complicated online. You can fight with your sister over messenger, you can create a community on Tumblr, and you can find your best friend over common boards on Pinterest. Here are some tips for managing your relationships online:

The Internet is a great tool to stay in touch with people over long distances, like cousins on another coast or friends studying abroad.

Be nice to people, even if everyone else is being mean to them. Bullying is not cool in real life or online.

Whether you meet a new person in real life or online, strive to be safe. Protect your identity, security, and privacy, and always tell someone you trust about a new person you meet online.

Remember you always have the right to say “no,” to cut off contact, or to report anyone who is bothering you online.

Privacy

Suppose you got a new car. Would you post a photo of you standing in front of your new car – with the license plate showing in the background? Or post a photo of your new driver’s license, student ID or your first credit card? Be mindful of the information that is shared on the photos, videos and status updates you post online. You could be helping someone hack your privacy and identity. Here are some tips to keep your info safe:

Before you hit “post,” ask yourself if you’d share that information with a stranger—this rule of thumb will help you filter out private details like your last name, contact information, school, age or date of birth.

Treat any pictures like an investigator or crime scene specialist, paying attention to the background, too: What personal details can you piece together about you and your friends in the image?

Some sites require you to fill out an extensive profile. It may seem harmless, but all that personal data can fall into the wrong hands or even get sold to scammers.

Be thoughtful when sites and apps you want to use ask for your full name, birth date, address, phone number or other private information. Think about whether you really want them to have that information and find out what they are going to do with it (and who else they are going to share it with) before you hand those details over.

Many sites allow you to limit who can see your profile, either by changing settings or requiring a password to access your content—a vital step you should take with every account. Keep in mind, too, that social media groups you join (e.g. one for your high school) may be public.

When in doubt, ask yourself if you’d feel comfortable posting your information in a public forum—because that’s essentially what the Internet is.

Money

Did you know that young people make up almost a third of US identity theft victims? It’s because they tend to have good credit, making them an attractive target, and they often fail to fully protect their personal details. Phishing scams—where a fraudster poses as a legitimate company to get your secret information—have become sophisticated: they may send emails asking for your username and password or direct you to a website to verify your password, all to take control of your financial identity. Here are some tips to help you protect your pocket book and credit score:

Real companies (like banks, online retailers and credit card companies) won’t ask for those details over email, so don’t respond—even if the email’s images and language sound official or it includes threatening messages (like “Your account will be closed!”).

Don't conduct financial activities on public computers. Criminals install keystroke recognition software on public computers to spy on what you type. Hackers can also log into your accounts after you’ve left the computer unless you take steps to block them. If you do go online on a public computer, like at school or the library, make sure to disable the automatic log-in feature (it’s usually a box beneath the field for your password) and log out before you leave the computer. It’s not enough to close the browser.

Once criminals have your username—something that is often easy to find—they try to break into your account by trying the most common passwords. Create strong passwords—ones at least eight characters long that include letters, numbers and special symbols—that don’t include personal information. (Names, birthdays, addresses and simple sequences like 12345 are some of the most typical passwords and so will be the ones fraudsters try first.) Then change your passwords regularly and create different ones for each site so all your accounts aren’t compromised if they break through your defenses.

Some web sites don’t use encryption software—a security measure that scrambles data as it crosses the Internet—making them vulnerable to hackers. Fraudsters may also set up a web page that looks identical to your banks or an online retailer so you’ll enter your log-in information. Make sure the web address begins with "https" (the "s" stands for “secure”) and has an icon of a closed padlock—these signs mean the site is safe. Also, be wary of links sent to you, even from a friend. Fraudsters may break into your friends’ email or social media accounts to get you to click on sites that will download malware—software that can record your sensitive information.

Suppose you got a new car. Would you post a photo of you standing in front of your new car – with the license plate showing in the background? Or post a photo of your new driver’s license, student ID or your first credit card? Be mindful of the information that is shared on the photos, videos and status updates you post online. You could be helping someone hack your privacy and identity. Here are some tips to keep your info safe:

Before you hit “post,” ask yourself if you’d share that information with a stranger—this rule of thumb will help you filter out private details like your last name, contact information, school, age or date of birth.

Treat any pictures like an investigator or crime scene specialist, paying attention to the background, too: What personal details can you piece together about you and your friends in the image?

Some sites require you to fill out an extensive profile. It may seem harmless, but all that personal data can fall into the wrong hands or even get sold to scammers.

Be thoughtful when sites and apps you want to use ask for your full name, birth date, address, phone number or other private information. Think about whether you really want them to have that information and find out what they are going to do with it (and who else they are going to share it with) before you hand those details over.

Many sites allow you to limit who can see your profile, either by changing settings or requiring a password to access your content—a vital step you should take with every account. Keep in mind, too, that social media groups you join (e.g. one for your high school) may be public.

When in doubt, ask yourself if you’d feel comfortable posting your information in a public forum—because that’s essentially what the Internet is.

Did you know that young people make up almost a third of US identity theft victims? It’s because they tend to have good credit, making them an attractive target, and they often fail to fully protect their personal details. Phishing scams—where a fraudster poses as a legitimate company to get your secret information—have become sophisticated: they may send emails asking for your username and password or direct you to a website to verify your password, all to take control of your financial identity. Here are some tips to help you protect your pocket book and credit score:

Real companies (like banks, online retailers and credit card companies) won’t ask for those details over email, so don’t respond—even if the email’s images and language sound official or it includes threatening messages (like “Your account will be closed!”).

Don't conduct financial activities on public computers. Criminals install keystroke recognition software on public computers to spy on what you type. Hackers can also log into your accounts after you’ve left the computer unless you take steps to block them. If you do go online on a public computer, like at school or the library, make sure to disable the automatic log-in feature (it’s usually a box beneath the field for your password) and log out before you leave the computer. It’s not enough to close the browser.

Once criminals have your username—something that is often easy to find—they try to break into your account by trying the most common passwords. Create strong passwords—ones at least eight characters long that include letters, numbers and special symbols—that don’t include personal information. (Names, birthdays, addresses and simple sequences like 12345 are some of the most typical passwords and so will be the ones fraudsters try first.) Then change your passwords regularly and create different ones for each site so all your accounts aren’t compromised if they break through your defenses.

Some web sites don’t use encryption software—a security measure that scrambles data as it crosses the Internet—making them vulnerable to hackers. Fraudsters may also set up a web page that looks identical to your banks or an online retailer so you’ll enter your log-in information. Make sure the web address begins with "https" (the "s" stands for “secure”) and has an icon of a closed padlock—these signs mean the site is safe. Also, be wary of links sent to you, even from a friend. Fraudsters may break into your friends’ email or social media accounts to get you to click on sites that will download malware—software that can record your sensitive information.

Anything you post can become part of your online reputation and your online brand for the rest of your digital life. So before you post, ask yourself:

Could this hurt others?

Would I share this with my parents?

Could this endanger opportunities for my future?

Remember the Internet is permanent, vast and always listening. Any one of your selfies could show up at your first job interview.

Relationships can be complicated in real life. And they can also be complicated online. You can fight with your sister over messenger, you can create a community on Tumblr, and you can find your best friend over common boards on Pinterest. Here are some tips for managing your relationships online:

The Internet is a great tool to stay in touch with people over long distances, like cousins on another coast or friends studying abroad.

Be nice to people, even if everyone else is being mean to them. Bullying is not cool in real life or online.

Whether you meet a new person in real life or online, strive to be safe. Protect your identity, security, and privacy, and always tell someone you trust about a new person you meet online.

Remember you always have the right to say “no,” to cut off contact, or to report anyone who is bothering you online.

Suppose you got a new car. Would you post a photo of you standing in front of your new car – with the license plate showing in the background? Or post a photo of your new driver’s license, student ID or your first credit card? Be mindful of the information that is shared on the photos, videos and status updates you post online. You could be helping someone hack your privacy and identity. Here are some tips to keep your info safe:

Before you hit “post,” ask yourself if you’d share that information with a stranger—this rule of thumb will help you filter out private details like your last name, contact information, school, age or date of birth.

Treat any pictures like an investigator or crime scene specialist, paying attention to the background, too: What personal details can you piece together about you and your friends in the image?

Some sites require you to fill out an extensive profile. It may seem harmless, but all that personal data can fall into the wrong hands or even get sold to scammers.

Be thoughtful when sites and apps you want to use ask for your full name, birth date, address, phone number or other private information. Think about whether you really want them to have that information and find out what they are going to do with it (and who else they are going to share it with) before you hand those details over.

Many sites allow you to limit who can see your profile, either by changing settings or requiring a password to access your content—a vital step you should take with every account. Keep in mind, too, that social media groups you join (e.g. one for your high school) may be public.

When in doubt, ask yourself if you’d feel comfortable posting your information in a public forum—because that’s essentially what the Internet is.

Did you know that young people make up almost a third of US identity theft victims? It’s because they tend to have good credit, making them an attractive target, and they often fail to fully protect their personal details. Phishing scams—where a fraudster poses as a legitimate company to get your secret information—have become sophisticated: they may send emails asking for your username and password or direct you to a website to verify your password, all to take control of your financial identity. Here are some tips to help you protect your pocket book and credit score:

Real companies (like banks, online retailers and credit card companies) won’t ask for those details over email, so don’t respond—even if the email’s images and language sound official or it includes threatening messages (like “Your account will be closed!”).

Don't conduct financial activities on public computers. Criminals install keystroke recognition software on public computers to spy on what you type. Hackers can also log into your accounts after you’ve left the computer unless you take steps to block them. If you do go online on a public computer, like at school or the library, make sure to disable the automatic log-in feature (it’s usually a box beneath the field for your password) and log out before you leave the computer. It’s not enough to close the browser.

Once criminals have your username—something that is often easy to find—they try to break into your account by trying the most common passwords. Create strong passwords—ones at least eight characters long that include letters, numbers and special symbols—that don’t include personal information. (Names, birthdays, addresses and simple sequences like 12345 are some of the most typical passwords and so will be the ones fraudsters try first.) Then change your passwords regularly and create different ones for each site so all your accounts aren’t compromised if they break through your defenses.

Some web sites don’t use encryption software—a security measure that scrambles data as it crosses the Internet—making them vulnerable to hackers. Fraudsters may also set up a web page that looks identical to your banks or an online retailer so you’ll enter your log-in information. Make sure the web address begins with "https" (the "s" stands for “secure”) and has an icon of a closed padlock—these signs mean the site is safe. Also, be wary of links sent to you, even from a friend. Fraudsters may break into your friends’ email or social media accounts to get you to click on sites that will download malware—software that can record your sensitive information.

Tips for online safety

Safer Internet Day is coming in days

Take a quiz on Online Bullying

What potential online risk concerns you the most?

See how your answer compares.

Financial loss

Loss of job due to tarnished online reputation

Online information damaging relationships with family/friends

Being bullied or harassed online

Loss of personal privacy

Poor performance of computer

Data loss

Finding spyware, adware, or other tracking software on my devices

I do not have concerns about going online

What is the greatest benefit the Internet has brought to your life?

See how your answer compares.

Learning

Socializing

Exploring

Conducting business

Entertainment

Other

Did you know?

16,300

years

of estimated time that people around the world lost in 2013 repairing online damage to their personal reputations

Which social media cliché are you?

Pin Head

Using location services? Limit who knows your whereabouts, pay attention to where/when you check in, and link to social media with care.

Momarazzi

Be mindful about what you post online about your kids-of any age. You might be putting them at risk by revealing their current location, age, school, etc.

Team Emo

Don't post anything you'd only say to a close friend. Whether you're happy, sad, angry, or have money worries, confiding broadly could increase your online risks of being bullied or targeted for scams.

Hashtag Hyper

Be selective about where and when you use hashtags to avoid oversharing your location.

Keep sensitive details to yourself that could be used to defraud, impersonate, or find your home address, phone and account numbers, birth date, photos without your knowing it.

Hashtag Hyper

Be selective about where and when you use hashtags to avoid oversharing your location.

Keep sensitive details to yourself that could be used to defraud, impersonate, or find your home address, phone and account numbers, birth date, photos without your knowing it.

Selfie Centered

Before you post any pictures, videos, or comments online, ask yourself: Could this tarnish my reputation? (Think before you post, it will be there a long, long time.)